Clams – sources, health benefits, nutrients, uses and constituents at NaturalPedia.com

07/06/2017 / By Tim Wesley

Clams are popular seafood choices for many because of their chewy texture and distinct taste. They are tasty additions to different meals but more than that, clams are nutrient-dense. They contain vitamins and minerals that are great for the body. Surprisingly, clams have more iron content than beef, which makes these a good choice for those who want to avoid anemia.

There are several varieties of clams found across the globe but the ones most commonly bought are those that were dug up from sandy colder water coastal areas. When buying clams, remember to get those that are tightly closed or ones that close up when tapped. Open shells mean dead clams.

List of known nutrients

Carbohydrates
Copper
Iron
Manganese
Niacin
Phosphorus
Potassium
Protein
Riboflavin
Selenium
Vitamin A
Vitamin B12
Vitamin C
Zinc

Medicinal uses for clams

As excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids, clams are ideal for promoting optimal heart health. Consuming at least three ounces of clams should be enough to give you about 140 mg of these fatty acids. These lower blood triglyceride levels, thereby reducing the risk of heart disease. Additionally, these mollusks help reduce cholesterol levels.

Clams are also helpful in preventing anemia because of their high iron content. At the same time, these are packed with vitamin B12, which helps prevent megaloblastic anemia, a condition that makes you tired and weak all the time. Vitamin B12 deficiency makes you lethargic even when you’ve gotten enough rest. A deficiency can also make you lose lean muscle mass and drop weight. By incorporating clams into your diet, you’re giving your body enough of this vitamin to improve and maintain proper nerve function.

More importantly, these tasty mollusks help boost the body’s immunity. High vitamin C helps fortify the body’s defense mechanism against diseases. Regular intake should help you avoid the common cold and even infections. Among other things, clams may help with vaginal bleeding, edema, hemorrhoids, goiter, and high cholesterol.

Body systems supported by clams

A three-ounce serving of clams contains 22 grams of protein, which is 44 percent of the daily requirement, and only 126 calories. A high-protein, low-calorie meal like this will help you shed off pounds or prevent packing on additional weight because the protein will make you feel fuller longer after a meal so you will only consume fewer calories on your next meal.

In addition, the protein will help aid in repairing and building muscles. Those who work out can certainly add clams as one of their post-workout meals.

Clams are highly beneficial to your cardiovascular system. This is because they contain potassium which helps regulate blood pressure and reduce triglyceride levels. The fatty acids will aid in ensuring your heart stays healthy while keeping heart attacks and strokes at bay. If you’ve grown tired of consuming oily fish just to get your daily dose of heart nutrients, opt for clams instead. What’s great about clams is, unlike other seafood, they don’t have mercury, which is important especially for pregnant women.

Getting your daily dose of iron from clams will also help you improve blood circulation. This mineral plays a vital role in transporting oxygen in the red blood cells.

Ways to use clams

Clams can be eaten raw, steamed, or even grilled. But if you really want to get the most out of these healthy seafood, you can try and be a little more creative and incorporate them in pastas, chowders, and even dimsum. We’ve got some delicious clam recipes you can try at home.